2025 Budget In Brief

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEWS

The mission of the Public Works Department is to ensure the integrity and safety of the Village’s infrastructure, such as facilities, parks, pools, forestry, roads, bridges, sidewalks, water distribution, sanitary sewers, storm water collection systems, vehicles and equipment and transportation; utilizing safe and well-maintained equipment; executing in a cost-effective manner; and preserving natural resources for present and future generations. The Public Works Department’s Natural Resources and Facilities (NRF) Division staff and contractors planted 601 new trees throughout the Village in 2024. The Village plans on continuing tree planting at parks, parkways and facility sites in 2025, focusing on diversifying and restoring the urban tree canopy. An updated inventory and assessment of all 36,331 public trees located throughout the Village was also completed in 2024. Updating and maintaining the Village’s tree inventory helps Public Works more efficiently manage our urban canopy by providing accurate data on tree location, species, condition and diversity. The inventory also assists with identifying site- and species-specific concerns, project budgeting, risk reduction and community outreach. On May 1, 2024, the Public Works Department’s NRF Forestry Crew planted three trees at Stellwagen Farm with assistance from Recreation & Parks Special Recreation Rhodes to Independence participants to celebrate Arbor Day 2024. A tour of Stellwagen Farm was also included. PUBLIC WORKS

A total of 66 parks, 55 playgrounds and 61 pavilions are located throughout the Village. The renovation of five playgrounds, including Schussler and Doogan Parks, as well as two park pavilions, are scheduled for 2025. The Village’s most recent Playground and Pavilion Assessment, completed in 2023, provides a roadmap for future park improvements. To date, Village residents have adopted 31 out of 66 parks via the Village’s Adopt-A-Park Program. Designed to encourage the community to work hands-on to help keep parks clean, safe and attractive, the program offers the opportunity for people to get more involved in their community in a way that promotes civic pride, appreciation and awareness. Adoptions are available for the remaining parks. The Humphrey Woods are an isolated woodland and remnant of the past, located just west of the Village Center campus. The 25-acre site is home to the historic Hostert Cabins, dating back to the 1800s and the founding of the Village, along with hundreds of species of plants and trees in excess of 200 years old. The Village has long recognized Humphrey Woods as a valuable natural and historical resource.

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VILLAGE OF ORLAND PARK | FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET IN BRIEF

VILLAGE OF ORLAND PARK | FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET IN BRIEF